Common neck pain symptoms include muscle tightness around the neck and shoulders, reduced neck mobility, palpable hard lumps in the neck muscles, or pain radiating down the arm, numbness, or weakness in the arm. If we know how to prevent it, we can use our necks for a long time and reduce the risk of cervical disc herniation compressing the nerves.
What causes “neck pain”?
- Strain occurs from abnormal use of neck muscles, improper neck positioning during sleep, such as using incorrect posture or overuse, staying in one position for a long time, or bending the neck while working. Tissue swelling caused by inflammation, muscle tears, and ligament injuries in the neck area may also be found.
- Accidents such as car accidents or sports injuries can cause muscle and ligament strain or tears in the neck area. Bleeding within the muscle layers may also be present.
- Cervical disc herniation is less common and may result from severe neck trauma, such as after a car crash or falling from a height. It can also occur with forceful coughing or sneezing, often combined with poor neck posture.
- Inflammation of the joints due to degeneration is found in elderly patients or those with a history of joint trauma. Patients will have reduced neck mobility and may experience radiating pain in the arm due to bone spurs pressing on nearby nerve roots.
Other associated symptoms may include muscle tightness around the neck and shoulders, reduced neck mobility, palpable hard lumps in the neck muscles, or pain in the neck and shoulders radiating to one arm, as well as numbness and weakness in one arm.
What should you do when you have neck pain?
- Rest to reduce neck activity, possibly using a small pillow to support the neck area.
- Apply ice by using a thick plastic bag filled with ice to the neck area to reduce pain.
- Medication The doctor may recommend oral medications to reduce symptoms, such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs for tissues or joints.
Neck pain prevention through behavioral adjustments
- Standing posture: Avoid bending the head down, such as when taking a shower. If you are tall, you may need to bend your knees slightly. Also, keep your head straight while walking.
- Sitting posture: Bending the head down while reading causes the neck muscles to work harder than usual. Raise the book to eye level by placing it on a stack of books or a box. While driving, move closer to the steering wheel.
- Sleeping posture: Using a pillow that is too high causes the head to tilt forward excessively, leading to neck muscle strain. Use a small pillow to support the neck area if you sleep on your back, or use a pillow that supports both the head and neck if you sleep on your side.
Correct sitting posture at work to prevent neck pain!
- Use glasses appropriate for your vision to avoid frequent neck movements during work and prevent neck strain.
- Adjust the reading material to eye level and keep your feet 3-4 inches above the floor to reduce back strain and help align the spine.
- Choose a chair with lower back support (or use a rolled towel) to support the lower back, helping to align the spine. Your legs should be perpendicular to the floor to reduce back strain.
Simple tips to prevent neck pain
- Avoid excessive neck tilting backward.
- Distribute weight evenly when carrying loads with both arms.
- Take breaks to stretch when traveling long distances to relax and stretch neck muscles.
- Reduce daily stress, as stress often manifests as neck muscle pain or tightness.
Recommended treatments for neck pain
For those with mild symptoms, treatment includes medication, behavioral adjustments, and physical therapy. For severe symptoms, indicated by radiating pain down one or both arms, numbness, or weakness, surgery may be considered by the doctor.
Endoscopic surgery: a technique for treating cervical degeneration
Currently, weakness caused by cervical degeneration can be treated with endoscopic surgery, suitable for spinal fusion and disc replacement surgeries. This minimally invasive surgery is safe, with surgeons using high-magnification endoscopes to clearly see the nerves in the neck, reducing the risk of postoperative disability or tissue damage, allowing faster recovery. The small incision can solve long-term problems.
